This book serves as an accessible and reliable survey for students wishing to gain familiarity with the basic ideas of Buddhist philosophical and religious thought, and with some of the recent research in the field. It guides readers towards a richer understanding of the central concepts of classical Indian Buddhist thought, from the time of Buddha to the latest scholarly perspectives and controversies. Abstract and complex ideas are made understandable by the authors' clear and engaging style. The second edition has been fully revised in light of new scholarship, in particular on Mahāyāna Buddhism and Tantric Buddhism, an often neglected and inadequately understood topic. As well as a detailed bibliography this authoritative resource now includes recommended further reading, study questions, a pronunciation guide and extensive glossary of terms, all aimed at helping students to develop their knowledge and appreciation of Buddhist thought.
Author(s): Paul Williams, Anthony Tribe, Alexander Wynne
Edition: 2. ed.
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2011
Language: English
Pages: 271
Front Cover
Buddhist Thought
Copyright Page
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. The doctrinal position of the Buddha in context
2. Mainstream Buddhism: the basic thought of the Buddha
3. The nature and origins of Mahāyāna Buddhism
4. Some schools of mainstream Buddhist thought
5. Mahāyāna philosophy
6. The Buddha in Mahāyāna Buddhism
7. Mantranaya/vajrayāna – tantric Buddhism in India
Further reading and websites
Some exam and study questions
Sanskrit and Pāli pronunciation guide
Glossary of Buddhist terms
Map of some important sites in Buddhist India
Notes
Bibliography of works cited
Index
